Microelectromechanical device, which can be used as non-volatile memory module or relay, and memory including a plurality of microelectromechanical devices

ABSTRACT

A microelectromechanical device, in particular a non-volatile memory module or a relay, comprising: a mobile body including a top region and a bottom region; top electrodes facing the top region; and bottom electrodes, facing the bottom region. The mobile body is, in a resting condition, at a distance from the electrodes. The latter can be biased for generating a movement of the mobile body for causing a direct contact of the top region with the top electrodes and, in a different operating condition, a direct contact of the bottom region with the bottom electrodes. In the absence of biasing, molecular-attraction forces maintain in stable mutual contact the top region and the top electrodes or, alternatively, the bottom region and the bottom electrodes.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a microelectromechanical device, in particular a non-volatile memory module (or cell) or a relay, and to a memory including a plurality of said microelectromechanical devices.

Description of the Related Art

Semiconductor memories may be divided into two major categories: volatile memories and non-volatile memories.

Volatile memories store a logic datum by storing an electrical quantity. Examples are memories of a SRAM type, or capacitive DRAMs.

Non-volatile memories typically exploit quantum effects for electronic storage (floating gate, hot-channel electrons, tunnel effect, etc.), or else permanent changes of state (e.g., phase-change memories—PCMs), or else controlled re-organization of the magnetic dipoles (magnetoresistive memories—AMRs), and others still.

BRIEF SUMMARY

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure include a microelectromechanical device, which can be used as non-volatile memory cell or as relay, and a memory including a plurality of microelectromechanical devices, alternative to memory cells and memories of a known type. In particular, the memory may exploint quantum effects for storing a logic datum.

According to the present invention, a microelectromechanical device and memory including a plurality of microelectromechanical devices are thus provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof are now described, purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows, in a view in the plane XY, a microelectromechanical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a portion of the microelectromechanical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the microelectromechanical device of FIG. 1 as memory cell, during a step of reading of a stored logic datum;

FIGS. 4-6 illustrates the use of the microelectromechanical device of FIG. 1 as memory cell, during respective operating steps;

FIGS. 7-13 show manufacturing steps for the production of the microelectromechanical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 shows a memory array including a plurality of microelectromechanical devices according to the present disclosure, in which each microelectromechanical device forms a memory cell for storing a logic datum; and

FIG. 15 shows, in a view in the plane XY, a microelectromechanical device according to a further aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A microelectromechanical or MEMS device 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 in an XY plane of a triaxial reference system X, Y, Z.

In particular, the present description will make explicit reference to the use of the microelectromechanical device 1 as memory module, without this implying any loss of generality.

The memory module 1 comprises a mobile body 2, including a main portion 4, preferably of a rectangular shape, having main extension along the axis Y. The mobile body 2 is supported, via its main portion 4, by a first arm 8 and by a second arm 10. The first and second arms 8, 10 have a respective end 8 a, 10 a fixed with respect to the main portion 4, whereas the other end is fixed with respect to a substrate 12. The first and second arms 8, 10 extend in a main direction X, orthogonal to the direction Y. The first and second arms 8, 10 are moreover aligned along an axis of symmetry passing through the centroid of the mobile body 2.

The mobile body 2 moreover includes a top coupling portion 14 and a bottom coupling portion 16. The top coupling portion 14 is fixed with respect to a first end of the main portion 4 and extends as lateral prolongation thereof, i.e., in a view in the plane XY, principally in the direction X. In the plane XZ, the top coupling portion 14 forms a first plane surface 18.

Likewise, the bottom coupling portion 16 is fixed with respect to a second end of the main portion 4, opposite to the first end in the direction Y, and extends as lateral prolongation of the second end, i.e., in a view in the plane XY, principally in the direction X. In the plane XZ, the bottom coupling portion 16 forms a second plane surface 20.

In this context, by the term “plane surface” is meant a surface that has a surface roughness such as to enable an adequate mechanical coupling surface (for example, with a root-mean-square roughness lower than 100 nm RMS), i.e., such as to guarantee an electrical contact of an ohmic type and a sufficient force of adhesion, as described hereinafter.

The first and second plane surfaces 18, 20 face respective top electrode regions 21, 22 and bottom electrode regions 23, 24. The top and bottom electrode regions 21-24 are fixed, electrically insulated from one another (for example, physically separate, as illustrated in FIG. 1) and are designed to be biased at respective voltages V_(U1), V_(U2), V_(D1), V_(D2) by a voltage supply circuit (not shown in FIG. 1). The substrate 12, electrically coupled to the main portion 4 of the mobile body 2 via the first and second arms 8, 10 is at the reference voltage V_(R) provided by the voltage supply circuit. Such a voltage supply circuit could be implemented by many know circuits, such a circuit including a voltage supply and a voltage divider with one or more taps that may provide the voltages described herein.

The first plane surface 18 can, thus, be electrostatically coupled to the top electrode region 21 and to the top electrode region 22. Likewise, also the second plane surface 20 can be electrostatically coupled to the bottom electrode region 23 and to the bottom electrode region 24.

According to one embodiment, the main portion 4 and the top and bottom coupling portions 14, 16 are made of semiconductor material. The top and bottom coupling portions 14, 16 are provided with a respective conductive surface layer (conductive layers 26, 28) made, for example, of metal material. The conductive layers 26, 28 extend over respective insulating layers 30, 32, made, for example, of silicon oxide, to be electrically insulated from the main portion 4, from the first and second arms 8, 10, and from the substrate 12.

The top electrode regions 21, 22 and bottom electrode regions 23, 24 are provided in respective portions, electrically insulated from one another, of a fixed body 29, which is also, for example, made of semiconductor material, such as silicon, and have, at respective surfaces facing the first and second plane surfaces 18, 20, respective conductive layers, made, for example, of metal material, designated by the reference numbers 34, 35, 36, and 37. The conductive layers 34, 35 belong, respectively, to the top electrode regions 21, 22 and extend over the portion of semiconductor material of the top electrode regions 21, 22 to be electrically coupled to the respective top electrode regions 21, 22. The conductive layers 36, 37 belong, respectively, to the bottom electrode regions 23, 24 and extend over the portion of semiconductor material of the bottom electrode regions 23, 24 to be electrically coupled to the respective bottom electrode regions 23, 24.

In other words, the conductive layers 34 and 35 directly face the conductive layer 26 of the mobile body 2, whereas the conductive layers 36 and 37 directly face the conductive layer 28 of the mobile body 2. The distance, measured along Y, of each of the conductive layers 34 and 35 from the conductive layer 26 is, in resting conditions (i.e., when no force acts on the mobile body 2), typically equal to the distance of each of the conductive layers 36 and 37 from the conductive layer 28.

In use, the memory module 1 can be used for writing and/or reading a logic datum “1” or “0” as a function of the voltages V_(U1), V_(U2), V_(D1), V_(D2) applied to the top and bottom electrode regions 21-24 and of the reference voltage V_(R) at which the substrate 12 is biased. More in particular, a first operation of writing of a logic datum, e.g., “1”, envisages application of voltages V_(U1) and V_(U2) such as to attract the mobile body 2 towards the top electrode regions 21, 22 (movement along Y), until a direct contact is obtained between the conductive layer 26 and the conductive layers 34, 35 (attraction by electrostatic force). The movement of the mobile body 2 along Y generates a deformation of the first and second arms 8, 10 and counters the force of return exerted by the first and second arms 8, 10, which tend to bring the mobile body 2 back into a position equally spaced from the top and bottom electrode regions 21-24 (force of elastic return).

However, forces of adhesion, which act at an atomic level, between the conductive layer 26 and the conductive layers 34, 35 in intimate contact with one another, oppose the force of elastic return. By balancing said forces, and in particular by designing the arms 8, 10 so that the force of elastic return exerted by them is lower than the aforementioned force of adhesion, it is obtained that the mobile body 2 maintains a first stable position of adhesion to the conductive layers 34, 35 even in the absence of the electrostatic forces generated by the voltages V_(U1) and V_(U2). Said first stable position can be associated to the first logic datum “1”.

Likewise, a second operation of writing of a different logic datum, here “0”, envisages application of voltages V_(D1) and V_(D2) such as to attract the mobile body 2 towards the bottom electrode regions 23, 24 (movement along Y), until a direct contact is obtained between the conductive layer 28 and the conductive layers 36, 37 (attraction by electrostatic force). The movement of the mobile body 2 along Y for writing the second logic datum “0” generates a deformation of the first and second arms 8, 10 that is opposite to the deformation that is obtained in the presence of writing of the first logic datum “1”, but that likewise counters the force of return exerted by the first and second arms 8, 10, which tend to bring the mobile body 2 back into the resting position as a result of the force of elastic return. However, also in this case, forces of adhesion between the conductive layer 28 and the conductive layers 36, 37 in intimate contact with one another oppose the force of elastic return. By balancing said forces, and in particular by designing the arms 8, 10 so that the force of elastic return exerted thereby is lower than the force of adhesion between the conductive layer 28 and the conductive layers 36, 37, it is obtained that the mobile body 2 maintains a second stable position of adhesion to the conductive layers 36, 37 even in the absence of the electrostatic forces generated by the voltages V_(D1) and V_(D2). Said second stable position can thus be associated to the second logic datum “0”.

The extent of the electrostatic force acting on the mobile body 2 is now evaluated. We assume, for this purpose, that we are in conditions of parallel plates (negligible fringing effect) and that the electrical resistance of the possible electrical interconnections is also negligible.

FIG. 2 shows the left-hand half of the memory module 1 of FIG. 1, sectioned along a line of section 44 parallel to the axis Y and passing through the centroid of the main portion 4. The memory module 1 is symmetrical with respect to the line of section 44. The memory module 1 of FIG. 2 is in the operating condition of writing of the first logic datum.

The electrostatic force that acts against the action of the first arm 8 to attract the mobile mass 2 towards the first electrode 21 is given by

$\begin{matrix} {F_{{UP},{U\; 1}} = {\frac{1}{2}\left\lfloor \frac{\partial C}{\partial y} \right\rfloor_{U\; 1}^{UP}\left( {V_{U\; 1} - V_{R}} \right)^{2}}} & (1) \end{matrix}$ where the superscript “UP” identifies the position of the mobile mass 2, i.e., in contact with the top electrode 21, and the subscript “U1” identifies that this force is generated by the voltage V_(U1) at which the top electrode 21 is biased.

The value of the capacitance C (capacitance between the top electrode 21 and the mobile mass 14) is given by

$\begin{matrix} {C = {\frac{ɛ_{0}ɛ_{r}A}{g_{0} - y} = \frac{ɛ_{0}ɛ_{r}A}{g_{uu}}}} & (2) \end{matrix}$ where ε₀ is the vacuum dielectric constant, ε_(r) is the relative dielectric constant, A is the area of the conductive layer 34 set on the top electrode 21, g₀ is the gap between the top electrode 21 and the mobile mass 14 in resting conditions, y is the displacement of the mobile mass 2 along the axis Y in the direction of the top electrode 21, and g_(uu) is the gap between the top electrode 21 and the mobile mass 14 in conditions of contact between the conductive layer 34 and the conductive layer 26 and has a value equal to the thickness of the insulating layer 30.

The electrostatic attractive force of the mobile mass 2 towards the top electrode 21 in conditions of logic state 1 is equal to the electrostatic force F_(DW,D1) of attraction of the mobile mass 2 towards the bottom electrode 23 in the logic state 0, so that:

$\begin{matrix} {F_{{UP},{U\; 1}} = {F_{{DW},{D\; 1}} = {\frac{ɛ_{0}ɛ_{r}A}{g_{uu}^{2}}\left( {V_{U\; 1} - V_{R}} \right)^{2}}}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

When the mobile mass is in the operating condition of FIG. 2, one can send the device 1 into a condition of writing of the opposite logic datum, i.e., send the conductive layer 28 into contact with the conductive layer 36, by applying a force F_(UP,D1) given by:

$\begin{matrix} {F_{{UP},{D\; 1}} = {\frac{ɛ_{0}ɛ_{r}A}{g_{ud}^{2}}\left( {V_{D\; 1} - V_{R}} \right)^{2}}} & (4) \end{matrix}$ where g_(ud) is the distance between the bottom electrode 36 and the mobile mass 16 in conditions of contact between the conductive layer 34 and the conductive layer 26.

From Eqs. (3) and (4) it may be deduced that the parameter to be set to obtain the desired effect of attraction of the mobile body towards the top or bottom electrode is given by the voltages V_(U1), V_(D1), which are set case by case according to the passage between operating conditions that it is desired to obtain.

The elastic force F_(UP,k1) generated by the first arm 8 is now evaluated, assuming that the first arm 8 is configured to behave as a linear elastic spring.

The elastic force F_(UP,k1) that acts on the mobile body 2 attracting it towards the resting position when it is in the operating condition of FIG. 2, is given by

$\begin{matrix} {F_{{UP},{k\; 1}} = {{- {k_{S}\left( {\frac{g_{uu} - g_{ud}}{2} - g_{uu}} \right)}} = {\frac{k_{S}}{2}\left( {g_{ud} + g_{uu}} \right)}}} & (5) \end{matrix}$ where k_(S) is the elastic constant of the spring provided by the first arm 8. It is evident that a similar elastic force F_(DW,k1) acts on the mobile body 2 attracting it towards the resting position when it is in the operating condition of writing (or storing) of the logic datum opposite to that of FIG. 2 and has the same value as F_(UP,k1), but opposite direction. Said elastic forces are exerted by both of the arms 8, 10.

The third force that acts between the conductive layers 26 and 34, in direct contact with one another, is an interatomic force, in particular the Casimir force, or Casimir effect.

The Casimir effect identifies the attractive force that is exerted between two bodies (for example, two conductive parallel plates). The attractive field between the bodies arises from the vacuum energy determined by virtual particles that are continuously created as a result of quantum fluctuations, according to what is envisaged by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The result of the presence of said attractive field is a net force that tends to push the two bodies against one another, and that can be measured. More in particular, the attractive force is given by the break in symmetry obtained by introducing the two surfaces (in the example of FIG. 2, the conductive layers 26 and 34 that form plates of a capacitor) to select, in the gap between the two surfaces, a number of energy modes, given by the aforesaid virtual particles, lower than the number of modes present outside the surfaces. The result is, precisely, a higher pressure on the outside than on the inside, which results in an attractive force between the two surfaces considered.

The Casimir force per unit surface (F_(C)/A), in the ideal case of perfectly conductive metal plates between which vacuum has been created, is computed as:

$\frac{F_{C}}{A} = {- \frac{\overset{-}{h}c\;\pi^{2}}{240d^{4}}}$ where:

ℏ is the reduced Planck constant (1.054·10⁻³⁴ Js),

c is the speed of light (300000 km/s),

d is the distance between the directly facing surfaces of the two conductive plates (g_(uu) or g_(ud) in the previous examples), and

A is the area of the facing surfaces of the conductive plates.

The value of the Casimir force is negative and indicates that its nature is attractive.

For example, in the case of plates set at the distance d of 1 μm, the resulting force per unit surface is 0.0013 N/m² (equivalent to 1.3 mPa).

The Casimir force is thus proportional to A/d⁴. It is evident that bodies facing one another that have different shapes (or, rather, have a different value of the facing areas A) will consequently generate different Casimir forces. For distances between the two bodies that tend to zero (bodies in contact, d=0), an adhesion between them is generated.

The following table shows, by way of example, the intensity of the Casimir force (F_(C)) as compared to the electrostatic attractive force (F_(e)) in an example of plane parallel plates having a surface area A=20 nm² and a mutual distance d=1 nm, and illustrates how said forces have a comparable value for nanometric dimensions (A) of the bodies considered and of the distances (d) between them:

|F_(e)| = k_(el)q²/d² |F_(c)| = (π²/240) · (hc/d⁴) · A (where k_(el) = 9 · 10⁹ Nm²/C²) [(3.14²/240) · (1.054 · 10⁻³⁴ · 300 · 10⁶/ 9 · 10⁹ · (3.5*10⁻¹⁷)²/(10⁻⁹)² = (10⁻⁹)⁴)] · 400 · 10⁻¹⁸ = 5 10⁻⁷N 31.5 10⁻⁷N

The example appearing in the table presupposes a value of capacitance C between the plane parallel plates equal to C=(ε₀ε_(r)A)/d=3.5 aF and a charge stored in the capacitor thus formed equal to Q=C·ΔV=3.5·10⁻¹⁷. The values appearing above were computed considering ε₀=8.85·10⁻¹² C ²/m²N, ε_(r)=1(vacuum value), and ΔV=10V.

In the sequel of the treatment and with reference to FIG. 2, denoted by F_(DW,D1,a) is the attractive molecular force (Casimir force) between the conductive layer 28 and the conductive layer 36, and denoted by F_(UP,U1,a) is the attractive molecular force between the conductive layer 26 and the conductive layer 34. Neglecting possible undesirable differences in the physical and chemical structures of the conductive layers 26 and 34, due to the process of production thereof, it is assumed that F_(UP,U1,a)=F_(DW,D1,a). It is moreover assumed that said forces will act only when the conductive layers 26 and 34 are in direct contact with one another, and do not have any significant effect when the conductive layers 26 and 34 are at a distance from one another.

Using the notation introduced previously, there now follows a description of the balancing of forces for an operation of reading of a logic datum stored by the memory module 1. In this example, the representation of the memory module 1 of FIG. 3 is considered, which is an overall view of what has already been illustrated in FIG. 2.

The operation of reading of the logic datum stored, i.e., detection of the position of the mobile body 2 with respect to the top and bottom electrodes 21-24, should not alter the logic datum stored, i.e., should not cause a displacement of the mobile body 2 with respect to the top and bottom electrodes 21-24. Reading is carried out by applying an appropriate voltage to the top and bottom electrodes 21-24 in order to verify at which of them there is an electrical contact with the mobile mass 2.

In fact, as may be easily noted from FIG. 3, the mobile mass 2 closes the circuit formed by the top electrodes 21, 22 generating a passage of current i_(read) through the resistor R1. The measurement of this current is an indication of the logic datum “1” stored in the memory module 1. At the same time, since the circuit formed by the bottom electrodes 23, 24 is open, there is no passage of current through the resistor R2, thus indicating that the memory module 1 is not storing the logic datum “0”.

Application of the read voltage V_(read) to the top electrode 22 and bottom electrode 23 is carried out at instants different from one another, for example in immediate temporal succession.

In order not to modify the logic datum stored in the memory cell 1, the sum of the forces of retention of the logic state “1” must be greater than the sum of the forces that tend to bring the mobile mass 2 into a resting state or into the opposite logic state (“0”).

With reference to FIG. 4, which is a schematic view of the memory module 1 of FIG. 3, the voltage V_(U1) is set at ground value GND, or at a value close to ground GND, and also the voltage V_(U2) is at ground value GND, or close to ground GND. The value of the substrate reference voltage V_(R) is moreover set at ground value GND. In this context, the value of the ground voltage GND is 0 V, or close to 0 V. It is moreover assumed that the series resistance of the interconnections is negligible.

The voltage applied to the bottom electrode 24 is equal to the ground voltage GND, whereas the voltage applied to the bottom electrode 23 is the read voltage V_(read), having a value different from 0 V, chosen as set forth in what follows.

In these conditions, it is expedient to balance the forces that act on the mobile mass 2 so that, when the read voltage is applied to the bottom electrode 23, there will not be any undesirable recession of the mobile mass 2 from the top electrodes 21, 22. In order not to modify the logic datum stored in the memory cell 1, the sum of the forces of retention of the logic state “1” should be greater than the sum of the forces that tend to bring the mobile mass 2 into a resting state or into the opposite logic state (“0”).

We thus have that: F _(UP,U1) +F _(UP,U2) +F _(UP,U1,a) +F _(UP,U2,a) >>F _(UP,D1) +F _(UP,D2) +F _(UP,D1,a) +F _(UP,D2,a) +F _(UP,k)  (6) where: F_(UP,U1) is the force exerted on the mobile mass 2 by the voltage V_(U1) when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3; F_(UP,U2) is the force exerted on the mobile mass 2 by the voltage V_(U2) when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3; F_(UP,U1,a) is the interatomic attractive force (Casimir force) acting between the top electrode 21 and the mobile mass 2 when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3; F_(UP,U2,a) is the interatomic attractive force (Casimir force) acting between the top electrode 22 and the mobile mass 2 when the mobile mass 2 is in the position of FIG. 3; F_(UP,D1) is the force exerted on the mobile mass 2 by the voltage V_(D1) when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3 (here, the force exerted by the read voltage V_(read)); F_(UP,D2) is the force exerted on the mobile mass 2 by the voltage V_(D2) when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3 (here, a zero force since V_(D2)=0 V); F_(UP,D1,a) is the interatomic attractive force (Casimir force) acting between the bottom electrode 23 and the mobile mass 2 when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3 (here, of a zero value); F_(UP,D2,a) is the interatomic attractive force (Casimir force) acting between the bottom electrode 24 and the mobile mass 2 when the mobile mass is in the position of FIG. 3 (here, of a zero value); and F_(UP,k) is the sum of the elastic forces exerted by the first arm 8 (elastic force F_(UP,k)) and by the second arm 10 (elastic force F_(UP,k2)) when the mobile mass 2 is in the position of FIG. 3, and that tend to bring back the mobile mass 2 into the resting condition.

It thus follows, by introducing Eqs. (4) and (5) into Eq. (6), that:

$\begin{matrix} {{{F_{{UP},{U\; 1},a} + F_{{UP},{U\; 2},a}} ⪢ {{\frac{ɛ_{0}A}{g_{ud}^{2}}V_{read}^{2}} + {\frac{k}{2}\left( {g_{ud} + g_{uu}} \right)}}},} & (7) \end{matrix}$ i.e., the intra- and inter-molecular attraction forces must be greater than the elastic and electrostatic forces in order not to modify the value of the logic datum stored by the device 1.

The threshold voltage V_(th), beyond which the read operation becomes, in an undesired way, an operation of writing or erasure of the logic datum stored, is defined by

$\begin{matrix} {V_{th} = \sqrt{\left( {F_{{UP},{U\; 1},a} + F_{{UP},{U\; 2},a} - {\frac{k}{2}\left( {g_{ud} + g_{uu}} \right)\frac{2g_{ud}^{2}}{ɛ_{0}A}}} \right)}} & (8) \end{matrix}$

In conclusion, the read voltage V_(read), applied to the bottom electrode 23 when the mobile mass 2 is in contact with the top electrodes 21 and 22, should satisfy the following relation in order not to modify the logic datum “1” stored: V _(read)>>√{square root over (2)}V _(th)  (9)

For example V_(read) is 50% lower than V_(th). Similar considerations apply, in a way in itself evident to the person skilled in the branch, for reading of the logic datum “0” when the mobile mass is in contact with the bottom electrodes 23, 24 and the read voltage is applied to one of the top electrodes, for example to the top electrode 22 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

From what has been described previously, with reference to the read operation, it follows that, in order to carry out a write operation, i.e., for writing the logic datum “0” by moving the mobile mass 2 from the position of FIG. 4 to the position of FIG. 5 (where the conductive layer 28 is in direct contact with the conductive layers 36 and 37 of the bottom electrodes 23, 24), the voltage applied to the bottom electrodes 23, 24 is V_(D1)=V_(write) and V_(D2)=V_(write), where V_(write)>>V_(th) (for example, V_(write)=2V_(th)).

The threshold voltage V_(th) is a function of the constructional geometry of the memory module 1, according to what has been discussed previously with reference to the intensity of the Casimir force.

Similar considerations apply, in a way in itself evident to the person skilled in the branch, for writing of the logic datum “1” when the memory is, initially, in a state of storage of the logic datum “0”.

There is now defined the balancing of forces for keeping the mobile mass 2 in a stable position of storage of a logic datum, in particular, with reference to FIG. 6, of the logic datum “1”. In this operating condition, the memory module 1 may be “off”, i.e., the voltages V_(U1), V_(U2), V_(D1), V_(D2), V_(R) are of a zero value. A non-volatile memory is thus implemented.

For maintaining the logic datum “1”, i.e., the position of FIG. 6, the following relation should apply: F _(UP,U1,a) >>F _(UP,k)  (10) i.e.,

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{{UP},{U\; 1},a} + F_{{UP},{U\; 2},a}} ⪢ {\frac{k}{2}\left( {g_{ud} + g_{uu}} \right)}} & (11) \end{matrix}$ which is equivalent to

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{{UP},{U\; 1},a} + F_{{UP},{U\; 2},a} - {\frac{k}{2}\left( {g_{ud} + g_{uu}} \right)}} ⪢ 0} & (12) \end{matrix}$

Comparing Eq. (12) with the term under square root in the formula of the threshold voltage V_(th) (8), it directly follows that the threshold voltage V_(th) must be real (i.e., the quantity under square root must be a positive number) in order to enable operation of the memory module 1 as non-volatile memory.

Similar considerations apply, in a way in itself evident to the person skilled in the branch, for maintaining of the logic datum “0”.

According to an embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the elastic elements 8, 10 are provided according to a serpentine structure, i.e., bent a plurality of times. This embodiment of the elastic elements 8, 10 may be applied to each of the embodiments of the memory module described previously.

The present applicant has found that, by implementing a memory module 1 of dimensions, in the plane XY, of 250×250 μm², in particular with:

-   -   substantially rectangular elastic elements 8, 10 of dimensions,         along Y and along Z, of 1.8 μm, bent 10 times, and of a length,         along X, of 100 μm;     -   top and bottom electrodes with a square base surface and sides,         along X and along Z, each of a length of 20 μm;     -   a thickness out of the plane (along Z) of the mobile body 2 of         24 μm;     -   gap, in resting conditions, between the conductive layer 34 and         the conductive layer 26 of 1.1 μm; and     -   thickness, along Y, of the insulating layer 30 of 0.5 μm,     -   the threshold voltage V_(th) is approximately 14V and it is         possible to carry out read operations by applying a read voltage         V_(read) of 5 V and a write voltage V_(write) of 20 V.

The present applicant has moreover noted that, implementing a memory module 1 of dimensions, in the plane XY, of 50×50 μm², in particular with:

-   -   substantially rectangular elastic elements 8, 10 with         dimensions, along Y and along Z, of 0.4 μm, bent 4 times, and of         a length, along X, of 15 μm;     -   top and bottom electrodes with square base surface and a side,         along X and along Z, of a length of 5 μm each;     -   a thickness out of the plane (along Z) of the mobile body 2 of 1         μm;     -   gap in resting conditions between the conductive layer 34 and         the conductive layer 26 of 0.06 μm; and     -   thickness, along Y, of the insulating layer 30 of 0.05 μm,     -   the threshold voltage V_(th) is approximately 1.2 V, and it is         possible to carry out read operations applying a read voltage         V_(read) of 0.6 V and a write voltage V_(write) of 1.8 V.

In conclusion, by reducing the constructional dimensions, the performance tends to improve.

Manufacture of the memory module 1 can be carried out by deposition, photolithographic, and etching steps.

For example, with reference to FIG. 7, a wafer 90 is provided including a substrate 100, made of semiconductor material such as silicon. An insulating layer 102, for example silicon oxide, is then deposited over the wafer 90, on the substrate 100.

Then (FIG. 8), interconnection paths 104 are formed on the insulating layer, for example by depositing and photolithographically defining doped polysilicon. The interconnection paths 104 have, for example, the function of routing the electrical signals for biasing the top electrodes 21, 22 and bottom electrodes 23, 24, and the mobile body 2.

Then (FIG. 9), a sacrificial layer 106 is deposited, for example made of silicon nitride, over the wafer 90, covering the interconnection paths 104, and a selective etch of the sacrificial layer 106 is carried out in order to form trenches that expose selective surface regions of the interconnection paths 104.

Then (FIG. 10), a step is carried out of growth of epitaxial silicon 108 on the wafer 90.

Optionally (FIG. 11), electrical contact pads 110, of metal material such as aluminum are formed on the epitaxial layer 108.

There then follows (FIG. 12), a selective etching of the epitaxial layer 108 in order to define the desired shape of the mobile body 2 and of the arms 8 and 10, as well as of the top electrodes 21, 22 and bottom electrodes 23, 24. This is moreover followed, in a way not shown in the figure, by deposition of semiconductor material and metal, and corresponding photolithographic definition to form the insulating layers 30, 32, and the conductive layers 26, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37.

A step is then carried out (FIG. 13) of selective etching for removing the sacrificial layer 106 to release the mobile body 2 and the arms 8, 10, which are thus suspended over a cavity 109 and free to move (as also shown in FIG. 1).

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure it is possible to organize a plurality of memory modules 1 of the type described previously in an array, to form a memory, a portion 50 of which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 14.

The memory 50 of FIG. 14 comprises a plurality of memory modules 1 operatively coupled to biasing lines for supplying the read/write voltages V_(U1), V_(U2), V_(D1), V_(D2) as illustrated previously. For this purpose, the voltage supply circuit can be implemented by a row decoder 52, which receives at input an address signal S_(ADD) and selectively biases row lines 51 at the voltages V_(U2) and V_(D1) for implementing a read or write operation.

A plurality of comparators 53, operatively coupled to respective column lines 56, are configured for comparing with one another the voltages V_(U1), V_(D2) and supplying at output a respective signal S_(OUT) indicating the logic datum stored by the memory module addressed.

In use, for example to read the memory module 1 identified by the circle 55, the voltages V_(U2) and V_(D1) assume a value V_(read), chosen as illustrated previously. Compared reading of the currents present on the column lines 56 corresponding to the memory module selected supplies at output a signal S_(OUR) that can be correlated to the logic datum stored.

From what has been described above, the advantages that the present disclosure affords are evident.

For example, when we consider application of the present disclosure as relay, there is obtained the advantage of having, unlike inductive relays of a known type, two stable memory positions that do not require supply of energy from outside to maintain them (relays of a known type have only one stable position).

Moreover, when we consider application of the present disclosure as memory module or cell, it may be noted that the memory cell is insensitive to temperature variations. In addition, the operation may be at a low voltage (the voltages necessary for modification of the state can be generated internally, but no high currents are required, and thus any possible integrated voltage boosters can be easily provided).

Moreover, the energy consumption in reading and modification is very low. Reading, in particular, which substantially consists in verifying the presence or absence of a physical contact (an on/off state), can be carried out at low voltage values with low currents.

Finally, the number of reading and writing cycles does not generate phenomena of ageing present in non-volatile memories according to the prior art.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to what has been described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In particular, the microelectromechanical device 1 can be used for applications other than storage of logic states, and in particular can be used as a relay. In this case, the relay is an open switch when the mobile mass 2 is at a distance both from the top electrodes 21, 22 and from the bottom electrodes 23, 24 (resting condition, in which no forces act on the mobile mass 2). When, instead, the mobile mass 2 is in direct contact with the top electrodes 21, 22, the relay is a closed switch, in so far as the conductive layer 26 forms a conductive path between the electrode 21 and the electrode 22. Likewise, also when the mobile mass 2 is in direct contact with the bottom electrodes 23, 24, the relay is a closed switch, in so far as the conductive layer 28 forms a conductive path between the electrode 23 and the electrode 24. Passage between the state of closed circuit and the state of open circuit occurs by generating an electrostatic force by an appropriate voltage, in a way similar to what has been described previously for movement of the mobile mass 2. Use of the relay according to the present disclosure is advantageous in so far as both in conditions of open circuit and in conditions of closed circuit the relay does not require supply in so far as, in the absence of external supply, it remains in the chosen state.

Moreover, the structures of the memory module or relay according to the present disclosure (illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1-3) can be improved from the standpoint of stiffness by envisaging the formation of “tierods” 70 a-70 d that extend between each end 8 a, 10 a of the first and second arms 8, 10 towards a peripheral (edge) region of the top coupling portion 14 and of the bottom coupling portion 16 to form, in a view in the plane XY, an X-shaped tierod structure, of the type illustrated in FIG. 15.

It should be appreciated that the use of the terms “top” and “bottom” is for exemplary purposes only, in view of the depictions in the drawings. One could orient the devices in any way without departing from the present disclosure. For example, the devices could be rotated ninety degrees such that the top and bottom electrodes become left and right lateral electrodes or they could be flipped 180 degrees such that the top and bottom electrodes become bottom and top electrodes, respectively.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A non-volatile memory, comprising: a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including: a mobile body configured to move in a direction, and including a first coupling region and a second coupling region; a first electrode and a second electrode, directly facing the first coupling region and electrically insulated from one another; and a third electrode and a fourth electrode, directly facing the second coupling region and electrically insulated from one another, wherein: said mobile body is, in a resting condition, at a distance from the first and second electrodes and from the third and fourth electrodes, the mobile body, the first and second electrodes, and the third and fourth electrodes are configured to be electrically biased into generating a movement of the mobile body in said direction for causing, in a first operating condition, a direct contact of the first coupling region with the first and second electrodes and, in a second operating condition, a direct contact of the second coupling region with the third and fourth electrodes, the first operating condition being a first logic state stored by the memory cell; and the second operating condition being a second logic state stored by the respective memory cell; the first coupling region and the first and second top electrodes are configured, in the first operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; the second coupling region and the third and fourth bottom electrodes are configured, in the second operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and for each memory cell, the mobile body is suspended over a cavity by a first arm and a second arm, which are configured to exert, on said mobile body in the first and second operating conditions, an elastic force that tends to bring the mobile body back into said resting condition, said elastic force being, in modulus, lower than said molecular-attraction forces that act between the first coupling region and the first and second electrodes in the first operating condition and between the second coupling region and the third and fourth electrodes in the second operating condition.
 2. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1, comprising a read circuit configured to, for each memory cell: in the first operating condition, bias one of the third and fourth electrodes at a read voltage and bias the other of the third and fourth electrodes at a ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first and operating condition and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the first operating condition; and in the second operating condition, bias one of the first and second electrodes at the read voltage, and bias the other of the first and second electrodes at the ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition.
 3. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1, comprising a voltage supply circuit configured to, for each memory cell: in the first operating condition, bias at least one of the third and fourth electrodes at a write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first and second and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the first operating condition, and in the second operating condition, bias at least one of the first and second electrodes at the write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition.
 4. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1, wherein, for each memory cell: the first coupling region includes a first conductive layer that, in the first operating condition, is in direct contact with both of the first and second electrodes, and the second coupling region includes a second conductive layer that, in the second operating condition, is in direct contact with both of the third and fourth electrodes.
 5. The non-volatile memory according to claim 4, wherein: the mobile body includes a main portion connecting the first and second coupling regions to each other, the main portion being of semiconductor material; the first coupling region includes a first insulating layer positioned between the first conductive layer and the main portion, the first insulating layer electrically insulating the main portion from the first conductive layer; and the second coupling region includes a second insulating layer positioned between the second conductive layer and the main portion, the second insulating layer electrically insulating the main portion from the second conductive layer.
 6. The non-volatile memory according to claim 1, wherein said molecular-attraction forces include a Casimir force.
 7. A memory, comprising: a memory cell including: a mobile body configured to move in a direction, and including a first coupling region and a second coupling region; a first electrode and a second electrode, directly facing the first coupling region and electrically insulated from one another; and a third electrode and a fourth electrode, directly facing the second coupling region and electrically insulated from one another, wherein: in a first memory state, the first coupling region directly contacts the first and second electrodes and the second coupling region is spaced apart from the third and fourth electrodes; in a second memory state, the first coupling region is spaced apart from the first and second electrodes and the second coupling region directly contacts the third and fourth electrodes; and the memory cell includes a first arm and a second arm suspending the mobile body over a cavity and configured to exert, on said mobile body in a first and second operating conditions, an elastic force that tends to bring the mobile body back into a resting condition in which the mobile body is spaced apart from all of the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes, said elastic force being, in modulus, lower than molecular-attraction forces that act between the first coupling region and the first and second electrodes in the first operating condition and between the second coupling region and the third and fourth electrodes in the second operating condition.
 8. The memory according to claim 7, wherein: the first coupling region and the first and second top electrodes are configured, in the first memory state and in the absence of electrical biasing of the electrodes, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and the second coupling region and the third and fourth bottom electrodes are configured, in the second memory state and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces.
 9. The memory according to claim 8, comprising a read circuit configured to: in the first memory state, bias one of the third and fourth electrodes at a read voltage and bias the other of the third and fourth electrodes at a ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first memory state and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the first memory state; and in the second memory state, bias one of the first and second electrodes at the read voltage, and bias the other of the first and second electrodes at the ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second memory state and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the second memory state.
 10. The memory according to claim 8, wherein: the first coupling region includes a first conductive layer that, in the first memory state, is in direct contact with both of the first and second electrodes, and the second coupling region includes a second conductive layer that, in the second memory state, is in direct contact with both of the third and fourth electrodes.
 11. A memory, comprising: a memory cell including: a mobile body configured to move in a direction, and including a first coupling region and a second coupling region; a first electrode and a second electrode, directly facing the first coupling region and electrically insulated from one another; a third electrode and a fourth electrode, directly facing the second coupling region and electrically insulated from one another, wherein: in a first memory state, the first coupling region directly contacts the first and second electrodes and the second coupling region is spaced apart from the third and fourth electrodes; in a second memory state, the first coupling region is spaced apart from the first and second electrodes and the second coupling region directly contacts the third and fourth electrodes; the first coupling region and the first and second top electrodes are configured, in the first memory state and in the absence of electrical biasing of the electrodes, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of a first Casimir force; and the second coupling region and the third and fourth bottom electrodes are configured, in the second memory state and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of a second Casimir force; and a voltage supply circuit configured to: in the first memory state, bias at least one of the third and fourth electrodes at a write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the first Casimir force and a value, in modulus, greater than the first Casimir force, and in the second memory state, bias at least one of the first and second electrodes at the write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the second Casimir force and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the second Casimir force.
 12. The memory according to claim 11, wherein the memory cell includes a first arm and a second arm suspending the mobile body over a cavity and configured to exert, on said mobile body in the first and second memory states, an elastic force that tends to bring the mobile body back into a resting condition in which the mobile body is spaced apart from all of the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes, said elastic force being, in modulus, lower than said molecular-attraction forces that act between the first coupling region and the first and second electrodes in the first memory state and between the second coupling region and the third and fourth electrodes in the second memory state.
 13. The memory according to claim 11, comprising a read circuit configured to: in the first memory state, bias one of the third and fourth electrodes at a read voltage and bias the other of the third and fourth electrodes at a ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first memory state and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the first memory state; and in the second memory state, bias one of the first and second electrodes at the read voltage, and bias the other of the first and second electrodes at the ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second memory state and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the second memory state.
 14. The memory according to claim 11, wherein: the first coupling region includes a first conductive layer that, in the first memory state, is in direct contact with both of the first and second electrodes, and the second coupling region includes a second conductive layer that, in the second memory state, is in direct contact with both of the third and fourth electrodes.
 15. The memory according to claim 14, wherein: the mobile body includes a main portion connecting the first and second coupling regions to each other, the main portion being of semiconductor material; the first coupling region includes a first insulating layer positioned between the first conductive layer and the main portion, the first insulating layer electrically insulating the main portion from the first conductive layer; and the second coupling region includes a second insulating layer positioned between the second conductive layer and the main portion, the second insulating layer electrically insulating the main portion from the second conductive layer.
 16. The memory according to claim 11, further comprising a read device configured to read a first logic datum stored by the memory cell in the first memory state and read a second logic datum stored by the memory cell in the second memory state.
 17. A non-volatile memory, comprising: a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including: a mobile body configured to move in a direction, and including a first coupling region and a second coupling region; a first electrode and a second electrode, directly facing the first coupling region and electrically insulated from one another; a third electrode and a fourth electrode, directly facing the second coupling region and electrically insulated from one another, wherein: said mobile body is, in a resting condition, at a distance from the first and second electrodes and from the third and fourth electrodes, the mobile body, the first and second electrodes, and the third and fourth electrodes are configured to be electrically biased into generating a movement of the mobile body in said direction for causing, in a first operating condition, a direct contact of the first coupling region with the first and second electrodes and, in a second operating condition, a direct contact of the second coupling region with the third and fourth electrodes, the first operating condition being a first logic state stored by the memory cell; and the second operating condition being a second logic state stored by the respective memory cell; the first coupling region and the first and second top electrodes are configured, in the first operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and the second coupling region and the third and fourth bottom electrodes are configured, in the second operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and a read circuit configured to, for each memory cell: in the first operating condition, bias one of the third and fourth electrodes at a read voltage and bias the other of the third and fourth electrodes at a ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first and operating condition and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the first operating condition; and in the second operating condition, bias one of the first and second electrodes at the read voltage, and bias the other of the first and second electrodes at the ground reference voltage, to generate, on the mobile body, a force with a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition and a value, in modulus, lower than a value of the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition.
 18. The non-volatile memory according to claim 17, comprising a voltage supply circuit configured to, for each memory cell: in the first operating condition, bias at least one of the third and fourth electrodes at a write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first and second and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the first and operating condition, and in the second operating condition, bias at least one of the first and second electrodes at the write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition.
 19. A non-volatile memory, comprising: a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including: a mobile body configured to move in a direction, and including a first coupling region and a second coupling region; a first electrode and a second electrode, directly facing the first coupling region and electrically insulated from one another; a third electrode and a fourth electrode, directly facing the second coupling region and electrically insulated from one another, wherein: said mobile body is, in a resting condition, at a distance from the first and second electrodes and from the third and fourth electrodes, the mobile body, the first and second electrodes, and the third and fourth electrodes are configured to be electrically biased into generating a movement of the mobile body in said direction for causing, in a first operating condition, a direct contact of the first coupling region with the first and second electrodes and, in a second operating condition, a direct contact of the second coupling region with the third and fourth electrodes, the first operating condition being a first logic state stored by the memory cell; and the second operating condition being a second logic state stored by the respective memory cell; the first coupling region and the first and second top electrodes are configured, in the first operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and the second coupling region and the third and fourth bottom electrodes are configured, in the second operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and a voltage supply circuit configured to, for each memory cell: in the first operating condition, bias at least one of the third and fourth electrodes at a write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the first and second and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the first and operating condition, and in the second operating condition, bias at least one of the first and second electrodes at the write voltage to generate, on the mobile body, a force in a direction opposite to the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition and a value, in modulus, greater than the molecular-attraction forces in the second operating condition.
 20. The non-volatile memory according to claim 19, wherein, for each memory cell: the first coupling region includes a first conductive layer that, in the first operating condition, is in direct contact with both of the first and second electrodes, and the second coupling region includes a second conductive layer that, in the second operating condition, is in direct contact with both of the third and fourth electrodes.
 21. A non-volatile memory, comprising: a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell including: a mobile body configured to move in a direction, and including a first coupling region and a second coupling region; a first electrode and a second electrode, directly facing the first coupling region and electrically insulated from one another; and a third electrode and a fourth electrode, directly facing the second coupling region and electrically insulated from one another, wherein: said mobile body is, in a resting condition, at a distance from the first and second electrodes and from the third and fourth electrodes, the mobile body, the first and second electrodes, and the third and fourth electrodes are configured to be electrically biased into generating a movement of the mobile body in said direction for causing, in a first operating condition, a direct contact of the first coupling region with the first and second electrodes and, in a second operating condition, a direct contact of the second coupling region with the third and fourth electrodes, the first operating condition being a first logic state stored by the memory cell; and the second operating condition being a second logic state stored by the respective memory cell; the first coupling region and the first and second top electrodes are configured, in the first operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces; and the second coupling region and the third and fourth bottom electrodes are configured, in the second operating condition and in the absence of electrical biasing, to remain in stable mutual contact as a result of molecular-attraction forces, wherein, for each memory cell: the first coupling region includes a first conductive layer that, in the first operating condition, is in direct contact with both of the first and second electrodes, and the second coupling region includes a second conductive layer that, in the second operating condition, is in direct contact with both of the third and fourth electrodes.
 22. The non-volatile memory according to claim 21, wherein: the mobile body includes a main portion connecting the first and second coupling regions to each other, the main portion being of semiconductor material; the first coupling region includes a first insulating layer positioned between the first conductive layer and the main portion, the first insulating layer electrically insulating the main portion from the first conductive layer; and the second coupling region includes a second insulating layer positioned between the second conductive layer and the main portion, the second insulating layer electrically insulating the main portion from the second conductive layer. 